Oh so true... this day is almost completely ignored in Mexico. Only a few states, including Puebla, recognize it.
What's it all about?
In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez stopped making interest payments to Mexico's creditors. Although England worked diplomatically with Mexico to work out their problems, France's Emperor Napoleon III decided to invade Mexico and force repayment.
Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín's unlikely victory over French forces (Napoleon III) at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Yeah - Yay, like, we're not paying our bills!
The French defeat at Puebla slowed but did not halt France's progress toward Mexico City.
In 1864, with the support of Mexico's Roman Catholic clergy and conservative upper class, France overtook Mexico City, setting Emperor Maximilian I on the throne.
Oh so many Maximiliano's in my ancestry ....
After the U.S. Civil War ended, the United States began pressuring France to pull out of Mexico. Eventually, this pressure, along with continuous resistance from the citizens of Mexico, forced France to withdraw.
By the middle of May 1867, Maximilian I had been executed and Benito Juárez was once again presiding over his state of Mexico.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken to be Mexico's Independence Day - the most important national holiday in Mexico.
El Grito de la Indepedencia (The Cry of Independence) is held annually on Sept. 16 in honor of Mexico's independence from Spanish rule in 1810.
Please resist the racist urge to wear sombreros, fake mustaches, ponchos ... or otherwise "dress up".
That only serves to stereotype people; essentially reducing cultural and traditional costumes to a caricature.
If you’re genuinely interested in Mexico, head to Mexico City on September 16 and indulge in the fabulous art, music, and cuisine.
Try this - Celebrate the day before Cinco de Mayo . . . yup, May 4 - Star Wars Day!
- May the 4th Be With You -
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Great Information
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